Who is the oldest player ever to play in the Ryder Cup?

The Ryder Cup has defined so many careers throughout it’s long, illustrious history.

Legends are made in the cauldron of the fierce battle between Team USA and Team Europe in what is always the most anticipated date on the golfing calendar.

Many players are remembered for their Ryder Cup exploits over anything they have achieved in major championships and beyond, such is the importance of the competition.

• European Ryder Cup qualification details

• Team USA qualification details

And there are few greater honours that can be bestowed upon golfers than representing America or Europe in the ultimate team match.

And while some players have perhaps only had the chance to tee it up once during their time years in the Ryder Cup, some of golf’s veterans have also been selected in the twilight of their careers.

But who is the oldest player to ever compete in the Ryder Cup?

Raymond Floyd is the oldest ever player to compete in the Ryder Cup. The American great played in the 1993 match at The Belfry just a few weeks after celebrating his 51st birthday.

Floyd was an experienced captain’s pick by US skipper Tom Watson, having played in seven previous Ryder Cups.

• Who has the most points for Europe?

• Who has the most points for USA?

From the four matches Floyd played, he collected three points to finish with an impressive 3-1-0 record. He helped his team secure victory on European soil, a feat that has not been matched in 30 years.

For Europe, Lee Westwood is the oldest player in the modern era, while Ted Ray is officially the oldest European to tee it up in the contest as one of the first players in the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927.

Here are the oldest players who have teed it up in the biennial showdown…

Oldest players in Ryder Cup history

Team Europe 

Ted Ray: 50 years, 67 days (1927)

Christy O’Connor Snr: 48 years, 273 days (1973)

Dai Rees: 48 years, 196 days (1961)

Lee Westwood: 48 years, 153 days (2021)

George Duncan: 47 years,  283 days (1931)

Team USA 

Raymond Floyd: 51 years, 20 days (1993)

Jay Haas: 50 years, 290 days (2004)

Raymond Floyd: 49 years, 23 days (1991)

Phil Mickelson: 48 years, 104 days (2018)

Fred Funk: 48 years, 95 days (2004)